Editor's note: The Beautiful Mind is brought to you by experts in neurological health, including autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities and neurological rehabilitation, at Bancroft and Bancroft NeuroRehab in Mount Laurel, Cherry Hill, Plainsboro and Brick and Marcroft, the affiliated medical practice of Bancroft.

Physical activity isn’t the only type of activity that’s good for you. Increasingly, we’re learning that being socially active throughout your life is just as important for your overall well-being.

From helping us to learn social cues and boosting our self-esteem as children, to keeping our minds young as we age, it’s becoming clear that relationships — from close friendships, to romantic connections, to fun group interactions — are key to a healthy brain across the lifespan.

Here are just a few reasons:

1. It could lower your risk of dementia. People who socialize tend to perform better on memory and other cognitive tests. Being socially active supports brain health and research suggests it could delay the onset of dementia.

2. It boosts mental health. Social interactions reduce feelings of depression and loneliness. One way to improve your mood is to expand your social connections.

3. It improves your physical health. Social connections can boost our immune system. The Harvard Women’s Health Watch reported that people with satisfying relationships have fewer health problems. On the other hand, people who lack social contacts are more likely to experience higher levels of stress and inflammation.

4. It can extend your life. An extension of the overall physical benefits, social engagement has been associated with reduced rates of disability and mortality.

5. It helps optimize brain injury rehabilitation. For those recovering from traumatic brain injury, research shows the quality and amount of social support available to a patient increases the effectiveness of their rehabilitation, and enhances their overall well-being.

Sheryl Berardinelli is a rehabilitation psychologist at Bancroft NeuroRehab.(Photo: Provided)

So make some time today to visit an old friend or schedule an outing! Here are some other ideas to boost your social engagement:

1. Join hobby clubs such as book, knitting, crocheting, hunting, film, bowling, golf, etc. Local recreation centers and regional Facebook groups can be a great way to connect with people of similar interests.

5. Use video chatting apps such as Facetime, Skype, Viber or Snapchat to connect with family and friends who live far away.

6. Walk around your neighborhood and chat with neighbors.

7. Sign up for a class at your local library, college or town recreation center.

8. Join group classes at your local gym.

9. Invite friends or family members over for meals, coffee, tea, cards or board games.

Sheryl Berardinelli is a board-certified rehabilitation psychologist at Bancroft NeuroRehab.

At Bancroft NeuroRehab, an interdisciplinary team of experts assesses and treats each patient’s unique needs. From mild concussions and memory impairments to traumatic brain injuries, dedicated, compassionate clinicians help individuals rebound, recover, reconnect and reenter the workforce after illness or injury.

If you or someone you know has questions about neurological health or is experiencing memory impairment or changes, Bancroft NeuroRehab can help. Call 844-234-8387 or visit bancroftneurorehab.org to connect with an Access to Care specialist and find the right expert.